The Pokemon Company Is Cracking Down On Sword And Shield Cheaters

The Pokemon Company is implementing stricter measures to deal with cheaters in Pokemon Sword and Shield. The company shared a statement in Pokemon Home addressing the issue and outlining some of the ways in which it will penalize players who alter game data or use hacked Pokemon in the Switch games.

"We are aware that some users are playing Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, as well as using Pokemon Home, with altered data," the statement begins. "Additionally, certain users have been causing issues that impair the function of games or apps or that cause problems for others."

The statement goes on to list the measures The Pokemon Company will take against users suspected of using altered data, including banning them from online play in Sword and Shield and preventing them from using Pokemon Home's trading features. The company says it may even suspend hackers' Pokemon Home access entirely on both Switch and mobile devices.

"These measures may be applied temporarily or indefinitely at The Pokemon Company's discretion. No refunds or repayments will be issued as a result of these measures," the statement continues. "Please be aware that similar measures will be taken regularly in the future and that additional restrictions and other measure may be imposed without notice. We will continue to regularly watch for and address improper or disruptive behavior in order to help our users enjoy a worry-free experience."

This isn't the first time The Pokemon Company has announced plans to deal with cheaters. Last August, the company released a statement saying it was aware that some users had deposited hacked Pokemon into Pokemon Home, and that it would be taking measures to remove these altered monsters.

In other Pokemon news, Sword and Shield recently held a Lunar New Year Max Raid event that featured Tauros, Miltank, and Bouffalant to celebrate the Year of the Ox. That has since ended, and January's regular Max Raid event has resumed until January 31. As part of the event, certain Normal- and Dragon-type Pokemon like Gigantamax Snorlax and Duraludon will be appearing more frequently in Max Raid dens across both games. The games' next Max Raid event will kick off February 3 and asks players to defeat Cramorant.